Cliffs of Moher
Sea cliffs on Ireland's Atlantic coast, a major tourist destination.
The Cliffs of Moher (Irish: Aillte an Mhothair) are sea cliffs at the southwestern edge of the Burren region in County Clare, Ireland. The cliffs rank among the most visited tourist sites in Ireland, with around 1.5 million visits per year.
- location
- Southwestern edge of the Burren, County Clare, Ireland
- length
- 14 kilometres (9 miles)
- nearest_settlements
- Liscannor 6 km south, Doolin 7 km north
- annual_visitors
- Approximately 1.5 million
Lore & Background
The cliffs take their name from an old promontory fort called Mothar or Moher, which once stood on Hag's Head, the southernmost point.
Reader's Guide
The Cliffs of Moher are a key part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, recognized by UNESCO, and a signature point on the Wild Atlantic Way tourist trail. The cliffs consist mainly of Namurian shale and sandstone, with up to 200 metres of sedimentary rocks exposed. They are subject to erosion by wave action, creating sea caves, sea stacks, and sea stumps. A modern visitor centre, the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, opened in February 2007 after 17 years of planning and construction, costing €32 million. It won an award in the Interpret Britain & Ireland Awards 2007. The cliffs have appeared in films such as The Princess Bride, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and Leap Year, and in music videos by Maroon 5 and Westlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Cliffs of Moher?
The Cliffs of Moher are a dramatic stretch of Atlantic sea cliffs on Ireland's west coast, forming the southwestern boundary of the Burren area in County Clare. In Irish, they are called Aillte an Mhothair.
Where exactly are the Cliffs of Moher located?
They sit along the Atlantic shoreline in County Clare, with the town of Liscannor roughly six kilometres to the south and Doolin about seven kilometres to the north. The entire cliff face stretches for approximately fourteen kilometres of coastline.
How many people visit the Cliffs of Moher each year?
Approximately 1.5 million visitors make the trip to the site annually, making it one of the most popular natural attractions in all of Ireland. Its combination of sheer height, sweeping Atlantic views, and accessible viewpoints keeps it a top draw for tourists.
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